Is an ADU the same thing as a guest house?

Typically, no. Guest houses often only include a partial kitchen or a wet bar, do not have a private entrance, and are designed for short-term stays. ADUs are more like an apartment right within your property.

Can an ADU be above a garage, a side addition to the house, or a basement level?

Yes, as long as it meets the standards for an ADU: Has a private, lockable entrance Contains a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower (and/or tub) Has a kitchen with a fridge, sink, and stove (or range) Provides a sleeping area (this can be part of the main living area, but often is a separate bedroom) Has a functioning HVAC system (requirements vary by city) Some cities have restrictions on the type of ADU that can be built on your property. In that case, you may only be allowed to construct a detached ADU. Contact us for questions.

How big can an ADU be?

Size limits depend on local regulations, your lot size, and your home’s current size. Some cities cap square footage or tie ADU size to the primary home. We review these constraints early so the design aligns with both your goals and local requirements.

How much does it cost to build an ADU?

Costs vary based on size, design complexity, site conditions, and finishes. An ADU is a significant investment. Our ADU projects typically start at $150,000. To determine a more specific budget, please contact us.

How long will the project take?

Timelines depend on design complexity, permitting, and construction scope. Most projects involve several months of planning and permitting followed by construction. We’ll walk through a realistic timeline based on your specific project.

Does Titus handle permits and utility hookups?

Absolutely. Our design-build process includes permitting coordination and full construction management. We ensure compliance within your city’s regulations.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design-Build

A Home Within Your Home

At some point, the house that once fit your life starts to feel limiting.

Aging parents need the support of cohabitation, but still want independence. Adult kids need a place to land without moving back into their childhood bedroom. The option to take on a few renters safely may become more appealing. Your own needs shift, and flexibility matters more.

An accessory dwelling unit creates room for those changes without asking you to leave the home you love. It adds space, privacy, and long-term living options – all on the same property.

At Titus Contracting, we design and build ADUs as homes within your property. Thoughtfully planned with a keen attention to detail, while built to support daily life.

Minnesota kitchen remodel with vaulted skylight ceiling, waterfall marble island, white cabinetry, and open concept living area

Minnesota ADU Design-Build, Start to Finish

Titus Contracting is a top-rated Minnesota contractor with the experience to help you create the ADU of your dreams! We are a design-build firm, so we offer the services of a general contractor, interior designer, and architect. When the designer is also the builder, more attention is given to the plan, pricing, and schedule.

Our team manages the entire process, including:

Site and zoning feasibility review
ADU layout and architectural design
Permitting coordination
Utility planning and construction
Full project management through completion

You work with one team from the first conversation through final inspection. No handoffs, no coordinating contractors, and no details slipping through the cracks.

Minnesota accessory dwelling unit with dark board and batten siding, cedar accent entry, and flat roof design

Why Choose Titus Contracting for Your ADU Project?

We design ADUs to be lived in, not just look good on paper.

That means layouts that support everyday routines, thoughtful privacy and sound separation from the main home, and materials chosen for durability and long-term use. When you choose Titus, you choose:

Functional layouts that support everyday routines
Privacy and sound separation from the main home
High-quality materials suited for long-term occupancy
Lighting and airflow that make the space feel comfortable

Whether the ADU is intended for family, guests, or rental use, the goal is the same: a private space that feels comfortable and looks good.

What Our Clients Say

We did a two story home addition with Titus Contracting. They did an amazing job making sure everything was covered and thought of in detail. They gave us plenty of time to go through all the documents, review them, ask questions, adjust plans.

Andy K.

Everyone involved in my project - whether they were employees or subcontractors - made it very clear they wanted me to be happy with their work. In fact, I was awed by it! In a couple of instances, workers returned weeks after the completion of the project to make minor tweaks; additional examples of Titus's attention to detail. It is a testament to the quality of the work and the experience that I missed not seeing the Titus crew come in on a near-daily basis.

Cynthia S.

Titus contracting did an excellent job gutting and redoing our master bathroom. It is everything we needed & wanted. Money well spent. I highly recommend them.

Rachel B.

Titus Contracting did a marvelous job managing our home addition. Communication, solutions thinking, and quality of work were exceptional. Our project manager Tracy was responsive and fun to work with! Our new room is beautiful and exactly what we dreamed. Thank you!!

Roxanne K.

Titus remodeled our entire house and made it our home! During the 10-month project, all staff and crew members were onsite when promised and the project was completed on budget. Our project included a lot of work from all the trades, and they were on time, respectful, and always left a clean jobsite. With a project of this size there were bound to be a few challenges and surprises, and Titus staff always handled them with the utmost professionalism, patience, and trustworthiness. We even had many laughs along the way!

John J.

Scott at Titus has been fantastic. He listened to our needs and worked with us to create a plan for how we could achieve our goals with our house. The folks at Titus are thorough, conscientious and great partners. We highly recommend!

Robert B.

Over the years we have done several major remodeling projects to our homes and vacation properties; and as a result have experienced "the good, the bad, and the ugly" of do-it-yourself, handymen, and professional re-modelers. As a result, we can say without exception that Titus is the top of the line. From the start of the project to the final walk through, they are professional but personal, always available to answer questions, ready to make changes (or advise not to do so), and truly caring about our results.

Lynda R.

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Free Download: Discover ADUs

Love your home, but need more livable space? Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may be your answer. These additions combine the best elements of apartment and tiny home living, to create independent spaces on your property.

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Frequently Asked Questions

An accessory dwelling unit, often called a backyard cottage, carriage house, or secondary living unit, is a self-contained residence located on the same property as a primary home. In order to be considered an ADU, the dwelling must contain a bedroom or living space, its own kitchen (with large appliances), and a bathroom (with shower, toilet, and sink). It also must have its own separate and lockable entrance door.

ADUs can be detached, attached, or even built above an existing structure like a garage. The right approach depends on city zoning requirements, lot constraints, and how you plan to use the space.

Yes, as long as it meets the standards for an ADU:

Has a private, lockable entrance
Contains a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower (and/or tub)
Has a kitchen with a fridge, sink, and stove (or range)
Provides a sleeping area (this can be part of the main living area, but often is a separate bedroom)
Has a functioning HVAC system (requirements vary by city)

Some cities have restrictions on the type of ADU that can be built on your property. In that case, you may only be allowed to construct a detached ADU. Contact us for questions.